Tech Trends in Practice

TREND 8Digitally Extended Realities

The One-Sentence Definition

Extended reality (XR for short) – which encompasses virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality – refers to the use of technology to create more immersive digital experiences.

What Are Digitally Extended Realities?

Let’s start by breaking down the different types of XR:

• Virtual reality (VR) means using computer technology to fully immerse the user in a simulated digital environment, to the extent that they feel like they’re physically in that environment. VR typically works via special headsets or glasses, like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or Samsung Gear VR headsets. VR technology has advanced enormously in recent years and can now offer incredibly realistic digital experiences, such as walking on the moon, or wandering around eighteenth-century Venice. (Just think how much more interesting history lessons might be for the children of the future!) Entire theme parks are now being designed around VR experiences – China’s VR Star Theme Park is one prominent example.
• Augmented reality (AR) is rooted in the real world, not a simulated digital environment. With AR, information or images can be overlaid onto what the user is seeing in the real world – the popular Pokémon GO game, where users could “see” Pokémon characters on the street via their smart phone, is a well-known example. AR can be delivered via smart phones, smart glasses, tablets, web interfaces, smart screens, or smart mirrors. Because AR is ...